Awards 2018
Student Voice Awards Shortlisted Nominees
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Welcome to the FXU Student Voice Awards 2018
Welcome to the inaugural Student Voice Awards! Each year hundreds of students step up to be democratically elected to represent their peers. By doing so they help co-create a thriving educational and social experience for current and future students. During the ceremony we celebrate the successes of those who have gone above and beyond; working with fellow students, staff, external partners, and FXU to make everyone’s experience that bit better than they originally found it. We want to congratulate everyone who has been nominated and shortlisted and hope you enjoy the evening!
Harry Bishop - FXU President Community & Welfare Chris Slesser - FXU President Falmouth Dean Pomeroy - FXU President Exeter Jamal Clarke - FXU President Student Experience
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Shortlisted nominee text in this booklet has been taken from student and staff nominations.
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Falmouth University Course Rep Awards
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Academy of Music and Theatre Arts (AMATA) The shortlisted nominees are: Louise Paine Louise has been our course rep since first year and has always given the job 110% she keeps up to date on how we’re feeling about the course and has always been more than happy to listen to and feedback any positive or negative comments we’ve had. She wouldn’t think twice about giving up her time to talk to a lecturer or try to figure out solutions to problems. Louise has gone above and beyond to be a really, really great rep. Angus Roberts-Carey Angus not only sought to represent his own course, but worked to represent and unite the entire music department, presenting freedback in a professional and compelling way. This contributed to a better learning environment for myself and all of the music department. Angus really looks out for students and cares about his role, he is passionate and has made a real changes in the Music courses and across AMATA. Mellisa Fleming Mel has worked hard to get as many of our course mates to take part in our feedback surveys. On top of this she is always posting in our course year group chat reminding us about important communications. She is an all round general fab person on the course who really listens and cares about what her peers want and think about their academic experience!
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Fashion & Textiles Institute The shortlisted nominees are: Jodie Mackerness Jodie has maintained an excellent standard of course representation. She uses surveys to gain as wide a spread of feedback as possible, coupled with face to face conversations. Her reports contain good statistical data which is well supported by contextual details. She is very responsive to course and FXU requests for further feedback and is very supportive of the 1st years. Phoebe Toups Phoebe has been a really engaged and proactive rep for Fashion Marketing. She represented her FTI peers at the Rep social, giving excellent examples of impact and has been a productive member of their department forum. She is always really positive and solution focussed. Alycia Keates Alycia has been a most attentive rep this year and always brings useful and well considered comments to both the SSLG meetings and our informal monthly Rep/Head of Subject lunches. She was also commended for her attention to detail and consideration when completing the SSLG paperwork, as she not only very clearly described any issues, but also offered a solution that could be put into place for each of them.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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School of Writing & Journalism The shortlisted nominees are: Michelle Wordsell Michelle is an outstanding course representative, maintaining regular contact with members on the courses and for providing as much support and assistance as she can. She’s got stuck straight in as a first-year, and has been a real asset to the rep team in her School. Emily Farmer Emily is a careful listener, organised and thorough in meeting the demands of so many students whilst maintaining her own work and voice in the university. She is a proactive and approachable rep who is always willing to help you solve a problem; giving advice and convening with staff and lecturers to rectify an issue. She has had a positive impact in engaging with the student body and their voice to help shape the SOWJ department.
Daniella Ferguson Such a champion of her peers, through her extensive mentoring and rep work she really knows what the students on her course think and need. Daniella aways delivers feedback, attending rep socials, Department Forums, and Student Staff Liaison Group meetings, ensuring her course is represented.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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School of Communication & Design The shortlisted nominees are: Georgina Blusch Georgina has grown in confidence so much from her first year and established herself as a strong representative within the graphic design course. She has also put herself as a key representative to enhance students support network regarding mental health. If I had to show new student’s what defines a student rep, I would present Georgina to them. Natty Hawkings Natty has been amazing this year. She is always very approachable and hard working. She gives everyone updates on facebook regularly, has set up a social group for our course giving us a place where we can express our constructive opinions, and has worked on closing the feedback loop quickly with the students she represents. Chris Bigland Chris has excelled as a course representative and stands out for establishing really clear communication channels when organising surveys and collecting feedback. He has brought real zest and energy to representation in his course, and to wider engagement in Student Voice and FXU.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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School of Architecture Design & Interiors The shortlisted nominees are: Saxon Brewer-Marchant A dedicated student rep from Foundation to third year, Saxon has been a very dependable rep for his peers, always providing well considered feedback. He has helped his whole cohort settle into a new campus mid-course, and has helped the course staff put in place effective solutions to ease students concerns and allow students in their final year concentrate on their studies. Jo Oughton Jo is always well informed about the student experience on her course, being effective in gathering feedback and creating a culture of engagement with the student rep process. She has provided thoughtful insight into various focus groups and student meetings and is a really reliable member of the rep team. I’ve seen her provide help and assistance to reps in lower years and in other courses. And she’s done all that in her final year, balancing the pressures that brings! Jessie Stringer Jessie has proven to be a great leader and class rep, making everyone on her course feel a part of the learning process, and going the extra mile every time to make sure her classmates are happy. Her tireless efforts to make the architecture department more efficient for the student body should be rewarded.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Institute of Photography The shortlisted nominees are: Maisie Unsworth Masie has been an effective rep this year, working hard to collect feedback from her peers and represent it effectively. She is always positive and looking to make a better experience for everyone. Denise Castro Denise has been very hard working and has kept contact the whole time to make sure we have been fully aware of what is going on with the course. She is always there to listen and does her best to get situations resolved in a professional manner. Denise is attentive to the needs of fellow students. A positive, friendly and accessible rep who is very good at mediating and influencing decisions to improve the Institute Of Photography for students and staff. Geraint Roberts Geraint has really matured into his rep role this year. He has been a diligent attendee of SSLGs and always has plenty of feedback including lots of positive! He has ensured that his peers have been effectively represented and his commitment to academic representation is to be commended.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Falmouth Business School The shortlisted nominees are: Kai Hardekopf Kai continued to be a rep mainly due to a lack of engagement from other students to fulfil the role.  Kai took the role seriously and ensured the experience of their small cohort was expressed with sobriety and authenticity to a new Director and new members of staff. Kai has been a very strong representative for his peers. Hollie Chinn Hollie has made sure to fulfil her duties and take the role seriously. It has not been an easy year for their course but she, has ensured that students have been effectively represented in discussions.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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School of Film & Television The shortlisted nominees are: Amanda Chin Amanda is currently half way through her second year with us on the BA(Hons) Animation & Visual Effects course. In this time she has proven herself to be utterly dedicated, enthusiastic and motivated. Amanda takes her role as rep incredibly seriously. She is incredibly organised and ensures that she attends all SSLGs. Her reports are balanced, taking all views into consideration, not just her own, but her peers, even if she herself does not agree with them - to her they are all valid. Prior to SSLGs Amanda conducts extensive surveys ranging from mental health issues faced by students, surveys on modules, studio resources, and students welfare, and provides statistical analysis of the results - all of which make her reports more robust, and enable the course team to respond effectively. Amanda is great at getting her peers to engage in student voice activity! Susanne Olivia Dale Sue has fully committed to her work as a student rep and has done so during her final year of her studies. She collated extensive feedback and disseminated a detailed and technical analysis of the data that was exceptionally useful. Alongside all this Sue’s wonderfully warm and inclusive personality make her an excellent Course Rep. Charlotte Agnew Charlotte is an exceptional individual; from the first moment she started the course she was a central part of the cohort and the communication between staff and students, even before she was elected as student rep. Charlotte has proactively worked to improve the provision for hard of hearing and disabled students on her course and has managed this with professionalism and great diligence.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Falmouth School of Art The shortlisted nominees are: Anna Calleja Anna has a very level headed approach to being an academic rep and brings her wealth of experience to the fine art course.  She has surveyed students about their current feelings towards marking and feedback, which has resulted in developing a good dialogue between students and the head of subject. Anna also participated in focus groups and contributed hugely to the future development of the online learning space. Anna is currently involved in developing an academic society to build her course community and has applied to be Department Chair for next academic year, demonstrating her commitment to the role. Emily Grace Emily Grace has been our course rep for two years now and it is obvious that she genuinely cares about the course and its students. She always goes above and beyond to take time to listen to what we have to say and makes all the effort to act on what she can, through a suggestion box or just being available throughout the day. She is also the Falmouth School of Art Rep, showing her dedication to the student voice and making a positive change for us. For example, setting up pottery workshops on Wednesdays for illustration level two students which has been helpful for character development and expanding our skillset. Overall she is incredibly approachable, caring and a great asset to the university and our course. Nick Preheim & Alana Bullock Nick and Alana have been a great duo this year! They’ve always been willing to get involved in student feedback opportunities, and have been effective in representing the views and needs of their peers.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Games Academy The shortlisted nominees are: James Hellman James has been the rep for all three years and in my opinion has done an excellent job. He took on the rep role in first year and his enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication has not faltered since. As rep for a new course, James worked closely with the staff team to help respond to student feedback and has really been able to develop the course as a result of his effective representation work. I know the course team think very highly of him and that current and future students have much to thank him for. Sophia Rodyakin Sophia has stepped into being a rep with great enthusiasm and engagement. She has been a very positive member of the team, always keen to get involved and make sure her course and peers are being represented! Megan Jenner Meg has been a really dedicated rep, working diligently to ensure her peers are represented effectively throughout her time on the course. I know the course team appreciate her efforts and students have much to thank her for.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Falmouth University Department Rep of the Year The shortlisted nominees are: Ă ine Casey Ă ine is such a conscientious Department Rep. She has a genuine concern for the wellbeing of all the students in her department and that they are properly represented. School of Writing & Journalism is a hard department to cover, with a large dispersed student body who are mostly working on an individual basis. Therefore supporting reps to get feedback from their cohorts is a big part of the role, which Ă ine has taken very seriously. She has established good working relationships with her head of department and other course staff, and likewise with the reps in her department and FXU. This has resulted in improved communication in and out of the department, which can also be seen in the marked increase in the number of rep positions getting nominations. In short she has moved student voice activity forward within her department, which is a great legacy to leave behind. Her demeanour in meetings is calm and reasonable, and she looks to build bridges rather than present problems, and never loses sight of the fact that staff and students are all working to the same end. Alexandra Guy Allie has taken on the role of department rep with a focus and desire to really improve the experience of all the students in her discipline. She has set up a communnication network to help develop a community of students and staff, set up social media groups and pages for reps to improve communication and sharing of information. Allie has also made herself available to students in all years of the courses. She does this with energy and positivity despite several challenging situations. That she continues to show such dedication to her role is a real testament to her.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Jodie Mackerness Jodie has been an excellent department rep for the Fashion & Textile Institute (FTI). She has been commited to suporting her reps in collating the student voice from across the department, helping spot trends and share good practice between years and courses. She has chaired her department forum with confidence, allowing for a relaxed but professional atmosphere, which enables everyone to feel able to contribute. The forum has been able to support discussion around the broader student experience in FTI conducting research into how to gain greater engagement in clubs and socieities. Caitlin Westgate Caitlin has been vital in taking on the department rep role and developing it throughout her time at Falmouth. With a strong will, and focus on community even before she received training. Acting as representative, administrator and leader, Caitlin has unified student voice in the School of Communication Design and doesn’t shy away from accountability questions to FXU or her department. Caitlin has played a vital role in extending campus opening times & contributing to the review of printing costs. Very importantly she also understands her commitment to her course and is honest in communicating when she needs extra support to focus on her studies during a testing third year.
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Overall Falmouth Rep of the Year (Chosen from 9 Course Rep Winners and 1 Department Rep. Decided by Panel)
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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The University of Exeter Cornwall Course Rep Awards
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Humanities The shortlisted nominees are: Tom Davis Tom was a later appointment into his role, as a final year student, however he grasped the opportunity and has been a thoughtful, considered and proactive rep. He has been especially helpful in working closely with the employability service, ensuring humanities students are aware of every opportunity available to them and feeding back to the service to offer insights to develop the offers. He has been really reliable and professional in the way he has undertaken his role. Victoria Gardiner Vicky has been a wonderful student rep this year, going above and beyond her duties. Especially during the strikes she conducted research upon how it had affected students to directly address how they were impacted. Her vibrancy and dedication never goes unnoticed, thank you Vicky! Bethan Hellier Bethan has been absolutely invaluable to second year history this year. She has made sure that deadlines were extended when they needed to be, always asks for feedback to pass on to lecturers and is extremely approachable. She has shown a genuine interest in the student experience and a willingness to better it as much as she can. Bethan is a constant presence on the course social media group, she answers queries and acts quickly in her role as a conduit between students and staff. Regardless of her own deadlines, she puts her fellow students first.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Renewable Energy The shortlisted nominees are: Valentine Douady Valentine has been working as an extremely reliable second year course rep along with a social secretary of renewable energy society. She is a very active student rep as she has always been looking out for her peers by observing and discussing any problem that might have bothered us. Before every SSLC meeting or informal meeting with our director of Education and subject chairs, Valentine has always informed us in advance and provided a clear and well structured questionnaire to get the feedback from us. She has also opened for further discussions and suggestions in which she always mentions and raises the awareness in the meeting. Apart from academic supports, Valentine has also worked really hard in encouraging her fellow second year Renewable Energy students to join in networking and extra curricular events. She successfully managed to encourage almost every single second year student to join in Renewable Energy games event. Owen McCarthy Owen encouraged us to voice our opinions and is persuasive with getting us to fill things out e.g. accelerate surveys. Owen knows lots of students and staff members in other years. If you’re not sure who someone is - ask Owen, he will know! He is always posting all sorts of links in our group chat including course information, events and renewable energy news, and other university wide updates & cool things to get involved in.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
Caspar Sayany This year Caspar has been able to put together the best qualities of his two predecessors and really reach out to students. Extremely efficient and straight to the point, he has kept good contact on both the student side and the SSLC side. Politically correct, but always able to be sympathetic and get students to talk to him about issues. He has proven that being a rep is not just about gathering feedback, but means to be engaged in the process and with the cohort. It is identifying issues before the students get to the point of complaining, and making sure they are fixed before the students’ satisfaction lowers. Caspar has been on top of it this year. He’s listened and has never - not once - jumped into conclusions or taken sides. He’s mediated in the hardest studentlecturer situations and calmed down situations that seemed to be going to explode. He’s remained calm and done his job, and no one has really noticed. And I think he deserves this award because without him, all these issues would still be there.
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The Business School The shortlisted nominees are: Alex Finer Alex has been an engaged and diligent rep, who is always prepared for his SSLC having worked hard to gather feedback from his peers. He also makes sure to present it in a solution focussed manner, having good dialogue with his Chair and staff to find resolution or come up with innovative change. He is also good at responding to communications from FXU and promoting wider Student Voice campaigns and events. Cristina Yuan Cristina is reliable, and determined! She gets things done and will always try to Go the extra mile for our cohort if it’s possible. Cristina is a hardworking and dedicated Student Rep who is always available in the library for a chat about any of our concerns! She’s always there to listen to any feedback from our course and our concerns are always eased by the knowledge that she will relay our issues to the relevant staff. Fully committed to engaging with business cohort and in ensuring student satisfaction. Cristina has run polls to identify key issues as well as running meetings to discuss our feedback. This has meant that real change has taken place on our course.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Camborne School of Mines (CSM) The shortlisted nominees are: Logan Belcher Logan is a dependable and effective rep. He always has useful, balanced feedback and has been diligent in attending SSLGs. I know this is appreciated by the course team and the student experience benefits from his commitment. Frederic Bolton Freddie has been an excellent course rep for the MSc cohort, attendeding all SSLCs and often will meet with stuff outside of that forum when issues are immediate. He conducts himself with the upmost professionalism and is willing to communicate opinions that he may not necessarily share himself. He makes the effort to contact course members in person and online to make sure they engage with him the pursuit of improving the course. Sadie Fear Sadie has been a good rep for the 1st year Geology cohort, working hard to try and be as representative as possible across three pathways. She has been a diligent attendee at SSLGs, and has helped in promotion of FXU student voice activities. She has also been proactive in working with the course team to develop the culture of student representation within the department.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Centre of Geography, Environment & Society (CGES) The shortlisted nominees are: Lucia Valachova Lucia has been a very dependable rep for the 1st years of Human Science, taking the role on with a positive attitude. She is always well prepared for meetings and has gained in confidence as the year progressed. She has been a great member of the SSLC and made sure her peers have been effectively represented. Priyanka Shendage Priyanka has been proactive at attending university & FXU meetings, effecting change that has a positive and tangible impact on the academic experience of her peers Priyanka has been especially proactive in the mitigation situation for post graduate students due to the strikes and ensured that her peers were properly represented. Izi Robe Izi has been an excellent representative, always prepared for meetings and works hard to resolve issues before bringing them to the SSLC. She has stepped up to co-chair the SSLC alongside her rep duties, in this her final year, but her attention to her rep work has not suffered as a consequence. She has been committed to ensuring her peers are properly represented and been a strong advocate for the student experience
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Politics The shortlisted nominees are: Marie-Alix Bliff At every meeting, she is ready to go. Always bringing high levels of engagement to every meeting and she brings key points of both positive and areas of improvement. When issues arise, she will do everything in her upmost capacity as rep to work out issues. I’m incredibly grateful to have her as my rep and know that her bubbly personality and driven spirit make her the perfect student rep. Fatuma Mohamud Fatuma has brought real passion and energy to her work as a rep and always makes really positive and effective contributions. As a first-year student her confidence is particularly noticeable, and she has made sure her peers have been fully represented. Charlie Fisher & Jacqueline Gaim-Marsoner Charlie and Jackie have been amazing third year reps. There have been some challenges for third years this year, not least the strike, snow and other issues. Throughout all this they have been just so approachable and responsive, working with students and staff to make sure things get sorted as quickly as possible.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Centre for Ecology & Conservation Biosciences (CEC) The shortlisted nominees are: Jade Getliff Jade is a second year Marine Biologist and has been a rep for the past two years. Jade has attended every SSLC and contributed to each. As Subject Chair, whenever I ask reps for feedback she is the first to give constructive feedback and consistently asks her peers for more feedback. Jade is well known amongst the department for her hard work with the Falmouth Marine Conservation Group, student ambassadors and for her work on the Turtle Conservation Project in Cyprus (who have now asked to employ her). Jade has set a brilliant example for other reps and other marine biologists. Her contribution and passion in SSLCs always helps to uplift the mood and she is not shy of holding academics accountable. It is clear how much Jade cares about her course and the department as a whole. I can honestly say that I am yet to meet another student within our department who works so tirelessly to effect change. Megan Godley Megan has succeeded in providing detailed and digestible information for CEC students about changes in our programme, and ensuring that all students have a voice that is heard by academics and staff. She has been incredibly proactive in communicating concerns within SSLC meetings, as well as initiating difficult conversations about issues surrounding the course for final year students. This has been particularly critical due to some worries that students had about their project supervisors. More recently, she has been dedicated to communicating changes to schedules due to the ongoing strikes, whilst ensuring to maintain a balanced mindset, considering all points of view on this matter. She has represented CEC students at all subject meetings, and voiced concerns on behalf of the large CEC student body.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
Amelia Penfold Amelia is a first year animal behaviour rep. Amelia has contributed well to every SSLC and rep meeting she was able to attend. I have been really impressed with the amount of detailed, constructive feedback she gave even in her first term of university. Amelia approaches her role with maturity and respect and is comfortable in challenging academics views which has made her really stand out. Amelia was the first rep to contact me asking how she could improve on obtaining feedback and has really taken on board this. And was the rep who was most engaged with helping to change a new first year module. Amelia is definitely a student who should be supported in remaining in the student voice system and awarded for her professionalism and dedication. She’s a real asset to our SSLCs.
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Mathematical Sciences The shortlisted nominees are: Roweena Dasgupta Roweena has been an incredible Rep and Chair this year, alongside john, she’s been kept very busy liaising with students and staff to make sure any issue is picked up quickly and suitable resolution is sought, not always easy on a new course. Nonetheless, she kept persevering, and her peers and course staff have much to thank her for, as she has worked so hard to make her course the best it can be. John Leslie John has been an outstanding Rep and Chair this year, working hard, with Roweena, to develop a student voice system within the course, which is still just 2 years old. Therefore, there was no existing blue print to simply carry on with and, as is the way with new courses, there have been snags and small issues that develop as the course unfurls. John has made sure the student voice has been at the heart of every discussion.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Medical School The shortlisted nominees are: Hannah Beare Hannah has been a fiercely proactive rep for the 3rd year medical students. She has made sure that their needs and feedback have been heard at every level necessary and has not be afraid to be assertive to make sure that happened. This is exactly the representation they needed this year and has made sure that future structures take better account of the needs of medical students. Oli Glaisyer Oli has worked really hard to develop the overall experience for students based at Truro Medical School as well as making sure they are fully represented within the university systems and committees, he has done so with professionalism and charm. Enthusiastic and full of ideas & energy he has worked closely with the academic team and attended high level meetings to represent the student voice. Oli is a real pleasure to work with, I think it is safe to say the experience for students in Truro has benefitted hugely as a result of Oli’s work. He has left a great legacy and has been a legend! George Hales George has been a tireless campaigner for Truro based students his genuine passion for representing his course and peers is truly inspiring. Coming from Exeter to Truro can be a bit of shock as it is such a different experience but George has been determined to ensure that experience is as good as possible and has held FXU to account in providing support for that.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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The University of Exeter Cornwall Subject Chair of the Year The shortlisted nominees are: Michael Duppa-Miller & Patti Suwawmongkol Michael and Patti have put together a really effective SSLC for the postgraduate community in CEMPS, which has really helped develop the student voice structures in the department. They make a great team, sharing the duties of Secretary and Chair effectively and have helped oversee a real increase in engagement from students in their academic representation. The SSLCs are well attended by staff and students, and are productive meetings all of which is a positive reflection on their chairing. Marga Ortega-Adrover As a co-chair, Marga has been indispensable. Her passion for the course and her commitment to trying to please everyone continues to astound me. She was always readily available whenever I needed help as a student rep, and promptly organised meetings for me to talk with the director of education when required, but she always attended them as well. Marga defines her subject, wanting the course to be the best it could possibly be for the students. Henry Massimo Henry has attended every SSLC, SCWG and has been an amazing Subject Chair. Henry has been very creative in the SCWG and always comes up with creative ideas with one of them being the college specific newsletters. He has always offered support and advice to other Subject Chairs. He is very passionate and has gone beyond his usual duties to represent all history students.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Lucy Scott Lucy has worked so hard this year to represent the students in Biosciences, and there’s a lot of them! She has invested huge amounts of time to drive up engagement in student voice activities and systems, with a genuine commitment to improving the experience for all students. She has been a committed member of SCWG, and being a very active participant including researching and campaigning for more accessible and affordable fieldtrips for all students. She has also been proactive in engaging in her Student Partnership Board meetings, helping ensure Cornwall students are represented at College level discussions.
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Overall Exeter Rep of the Year (Chosen from 9 Course Rep Winners and 1 Department Rep. Decided by Panel)
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
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Executive Officer of the Year The shortlisted nominees are: Jack Hope Jack Hope constantly goes far and beyond the expectations of his role. He has revolutionised the election process ensuring fair democracy and support for candidates in both the presidents’ and exec officers’ elections. Examples of this includes banning bribes and improving materials available to candidates. Through his responsibility of chairing meetings he always ensures that all opinions are expressed and heard, making a conscientious effort to be as inclusive as possible. He constantly updates students and members of the leadership team with developments in his remit and ensures a consistent feedback loop is enforced. He always completes monthly updates and effectively promotes new opportunities for students to get involved with FXU. Jack is an invaluable asset to the Student Voice team. Jacqueline Gaim-Marsoner Jacqueline is the current International Officer and she has been absolutely amazing. This is the first year that any student has been a part of the International Student Experience Group, which is mainly made up of staff from both universities. She has really been involved in every part of it, helping in the organisation of the International Festival (which used to be a 1 day celebration but we extended it to a week!) and International Mother Language Day — which were both really successful events. She has been working with the Languages department and hosted her own event in January for first year International students where they could just come along and socialise. She has been an absolute star this year, helping to put together the cultural events calendar on the FXU website, and really listening to students views in order to enhance the International student experience.
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
Sajjad Jabarkhel Sajjad has been an excellent chair of the SCWG’s as he always gives everyone an opportunity to speak. I feel like he has gone beyond his role and responsibilities to support his subject chairs, course reps and FXU President Exeter while being a volunteer and full time student. He has worked diligently throughout the year to ensure he’d cope with his responsibilities as well as using his own initiative to achieve everything in his reach. He did his best to represent all the students, from both Penryn and Truro campus, by gathering feedbacks and opinions from frequent visits, meetings and by making himself available and easily approachable. Sajjad has been an incredible Education Officer this year. His energy, commitment and passion for the role has enabled so much true representation of Exeter’s student voice that just would not have happened otherwise.
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Outstanding Contribution to Student Voice by a Staff Member The shortlisted nominees are: Kev Hughes “Kev is our lecturer, and now senior tutor. He is about the first person who has seriously asked for our opinion on the module He will catch you in the corridor, or at the end of a lecture, or in the pub if that is required, and he will ask for feedback. And he won’t just let it go. He’ll take it up to the DoE, and he’ll take it up to the Vice Chancellor if that is what is required. If it isn’t fair, or if it isn’t just, he’ll be following it on until it gets solved. He talks to us like we’re grown ups and he understands that our experience is the best feedback to shape the course to what students want and need. We needed a better community, and he organised events for us to get together. We needed more, better feedback, and he pushed for change within the feedback structure in the department. We needed closer interaction with our personal tutors, and he insisted and nagged tutors until everyone had regular one-to-one meetings. And the best thing is, if something can be solved before it reaches SSLC. Many have a lot to learn from Kev, on the drive that he has for change, and his energy to get things improved. And lots to learn also on his capacity to engage with students: most of the time just a smile and a joke is enough to get us all going and talking about how we are finding our modules. Kev’s contribution to student voice has been outstanding.”
Falmouth University - Course Rep Awards
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Course Rep of the Year
Samuel Murray Sam has regularly sought our opinions of our course modules and taken our concerns to the head of music. He has also fed back any resulting changes promptly. He always responds to student emails quickly, for instance, replying to a major concern I had within half an hour of my email on a Saturday morning! He is willing to spend time meeting any student to discuss concerns thoroughly. He has even reorganised tutorial provision to make sure we get the best support we can. As a cohort, we’d be somewhat poorer if he weren’t there for us. Karen Scott Karen has demonstrated an outstanding amount of honesty and openness with all students about feedback and improvements to the course. She provides incredibly regular updates to all students about the course and any developments of ongoing issues, which is testament to her communication skills. Not a week goes by where she doesn’t email the politics students with an update from the department, responding to student feedback and circulating important information. This was particularly useful during the UCU strike action, with updates happening on a regular basis and a forum was held for students to discuss any answered questions. Her pastoral care is above and beyond any other department. There is an exceptional level of care given to student welfare, especially mental wellbeing. She has made the department seem a far more accessible and engaging space.
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See you there! We look forward to seeing you at the FXU Student Voice Awards Friday 11 May 2018 Lower Stannary 7PM - Late
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